If you love cigars, you should invest in a humidifier. Humidity is the lifeblood of cigars. Without it, they’d become dry and crispy. Proper humidity will help keep your cigars fresh and odor-free. Here are three tips for humidification. Use an external humidifier plug when you’re traveling. If you can’t bring a humidifier plug, use a Cooler or Travel humidor.
Foam Humidifiers Absorb odors
Floral foam is a type of best cigar humidifier that holds plenty of water and releases it gradually to remove odors. Propylene glycol is a common ingredient in foam humidifiers and automatically maintains 70% relative humidity. Silica beads are also effective humidifiers that absorb odors from cigars. Small electronic humidifiers that add water to high-quality humidors are also available.
The best humidifiers are able to regulate humidity in a humidor between 66% and 79% RH. Make sure to use a bead pouch, the size of a large lime or lemon. Never use a green foam humidifying device as it will likely ruin the cigars and give you a headache. Likewise, gel jars are one-way humidifiers.
Coolers work Great as Humidifiers
While cigar coolers do not provide the same humidity levels as wooden humidors, they are a good investment for storing your prized collection. They do not require as much upkeep as a wooden humidor and are an economical choice for the cigar enthusiast. If you want to expand your collection, you can opt for a cooler-dor that you can assemble at home. The main benefit of using a cooler is its affordability. The average price of a cooler is under $50 and the largest one is 150 quarts.
To keep the humidity level consistent, you can purchase a humidifier with an inbuilt thermometer. A digital hygrometer can be useful for checking the humidity level inside the humidor. Once the relative humidity reaches 70%, the cigars will stay fresh for about two years. It is also a good idea to use an old cigar box to store your loose cigars. You can build a second cooler-dor if necessary.
Travel Humidors keep Cigars Fresh
Travel humidors are a must have if you travel frequently with your cigars. Unlike other humidors, these small and compact models allow you to preserve the flavor and aroma of your cigars when traveling. These devices require a different type of seasoning than other humidors. These products are made of Spanish cedar, plastic, or hardwood materials. However, these humidors are not recommended for storing your cigars for long periods of time.
The Kobi & Knight travel humidor is perfect for preserving the freshness and aroma of your most expensive cigars. It can hold six to eight inch cigars and 52 ring gauge cigars and is built with a pre-calibrated hygrometer, making the aging process easier. The humidifier disc makes it easier to control the humidity level, ensuring that your cigars will stay fresher for longer.
External Plugs are needed
Cigar humidifiers need external plugs in order to run properly. There are many different types of humidifiers available, but one of the most versatile and effective ones is the electronic one. While these units require an external plug, they can also be battery powered, which means you’ll need to drill a hole in your cooler to install the plug. Battery powered active coolers are also an option, but they’re more expensive and require recharging.
Optimum humidity level for Cigars
The ideal humidity level for cigars is a blend of about 65 percent relative humidity and 16 to 20 degrees celsius (60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit). When it comes to the latter two, this rule is easy and safe to follow. However, while higher humidity levels can make cigars taste and burn inconsistently, too much humidity can do the same. In addition to damage to the cigar wrapper, too much humidity can cause mold and splits.
Some aficionados swear by the 70/70 rule – a temperature of about 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 70 percent humidity. To determine what the optimal humidity level is, invest in a hygrometer that can measure both temperature and humidity. An analog gauge, on the other hand, rely on a coil and needle to gauge humidity. This method requires more frequent calibration. This chart is provided by cigar aficionados in the Canada Cigar Forum.
